Last Saturday evening, a tense scene unfolded at the Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride festival when Michael Monheit, 31, was apprehended for attempting to enter the event with a loaded firearm and magazines. As reported by Local10, around 8 p.m., Monheit triggered the metal detectors at the east security checkpoint and disregarded orders from security officers to halt. Wilton Manors police officers detained him and, upon a search, discovered a Glock 9 mm handgun strapped to his waistband, accompanied by two loaded magazines.
Preceding the incident, Monheit was Baker Acted, at which point his concealed weapons permit was revoked, according to information obtained by authorities. While passing the checkpoint, the loaded weapon alarmed officers when Monheit tried to walk past the security after he set off a metal detector. WSVN reports he was then arrested and is now facing charges for trespassing and carrying a concealed firearm without the requisite permit.
The Wilton Manors Police Department is now investigating to determine Monheit's motives, which remain unclear. Both the loaded firearm apprehended at the scene and the history of Monheit's mental health evaluation during the Baker Act could provide insight into the potential threat that may have been posed by his presence at the festival, which celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community during Pride Month.
Following the incident, Monheit was processed and, as of yesterday, no longer appears in the Broward Sheriff's Office jail records according to Local10. "Law enforcement continues to investigate this incident to learn about Monheit’s motive and intentions, which (are) unknown at this time," declared a news release from the Wilton Manors Police Department. Security protocols and the quick response by law enforcement helped prevent, managed to navigate the situation without anyone being harmed at the festival.
Details will continue to emerge as the investigation unfolds and authorities seek a deeper understanding of the circumstances underpinning this disturbing breach in festival safety.
